Struve update: He's 'doing great' after UFC 175 but Dana White thinks he 'needs to do

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Struve update: He's 'doing great' after UFC 175 but Dana White thinks he 'needs to do

At the time, little was known outside of the fact that Struve was looking to make a comeback after sitting out for a full year to monitor a leaking aortic valve and enlarged heart that threatened to end his career. There were rumors that he had a panic attack and UFC President Dana White would later say at the post-fight press conference that he was "doing great" and cleared by doctors in short order.

"Yeah, he's doing great. The doctor cleared him and let him go. You know, he has this condition that he... every specialist and doctor has cleared him and checked him out and the commission approved him. It reminds me of the Holyfield thing. The guy is going to have to retire, then he's back. I guess tonight you could... he had something like a panic attack. He started hyperventilating, he almost blacked out, his blood pressure dropped. I don't know, it's just one of those weird things. I'm just glad he's okay."

Despite his lack of information, White would say Struve has some soul searching to do regarding his future in fighting:

"I think it's something that he really needs to think about. Obviously, you meet some of these guys that love to compete so much that they'll overlook certain things. I think tonight showed that he's not one of those guys. He started to black out and he started to have a panic attack like there was something wrong with his heart again -- I THINK. Again, this is all just what I've heard. But I think that he needs to do some soul searching. He's a super talented guy. He's a great guy, we love the guy, and I don't know. We'll see from here."

Later, MMAFighting.com would catch up with Struve to get a clearer picture on exactly what happened.

From the man himself:

"Tonight, during my warm up prior to my scheduled fight with Matt Mitrione at UFC 175, I began experiencing discomfort and anxiety. However, given my extended layoff as a result of my recent medical issues and the passing of my father, I dismissed my physical and emotional feelings as nothing more than nervousness. Unfortunately, as my warm up progressed, I collapsed in the locker room. After consulting the UFC and the doctors, the determination was made that in an abundance of caution I should not be allowed to compete."

how can anyone fault a guy for being nervous about a heart condition he literally has? lol. a year off from competition from a serious condition like that would make just about anyone that nervous. i hope struve can find it in himself to let it all go and go back to competing ( if that's what he really wants).

Judging from the comments made by struve and the vague ramblings of mr white., Id say this situation was handled properly. Given Struve's condition(s) with his heart, the doctors decided to be cautious and cancel the fight. I for one am glad to see the commissions and the UFC doctors putting the health of fighters above the health of the card. Good on them.